about the ban

The Essentials

Queenslanders are taking positive steps to reduce plastic pollution and improve our environment.

Some single-use plastic items have already been phased out in QLD.

  • From 1 July 2018, lightweight plastic shopping bags with handles and a thickness under 35 microns, including those made from compostable or
    biodegradable plastic, were banned.
  • From 1 September 2021, single-use plastic straws, cutlery, stirrers, unenclosed bowls, plates, expanded polystyrene (EPS) takeaway food containers and EPS cups were banned.
  • From 1 September 2023, plastic shopping bags which do not meet new requirements, EPS loose-fill packaging, cotton buds with plastic stems, plastic microbeads and release of a lighter-than-air balloon will be banned.

As announced in June 2022, the Queensland Government will implement bans and other measures over the next 5 years to help minimise waste and protect our environment.

UPDATE:

In 2022, the Queensland Government published a Plastics Roadmap of single-use plastic items which are being considered for bans or other actions between 2023 and 2028. In 2023, a ban on select items was implemented, while other strategies were deployed to look into other items, such as the Beyond Cups Innovation Challenge.

Further bans have not yet been announced, as the Queensland Government is working with the Commonwealth Government and other jurisdictions for greater harmonisation of actions on problematic plastic.

The National Retail Association is working closely with Queensland Government who has confirmed that public consultation is a requirement prior to the commencement of further bans. Updates about this consultation process will be provided when available on this website.

Businesses seeking to be proactive are recommended to phase out unnecessary single-use plastics where possible.

See the 5 Year Roadmap (under review)>

View the Waste Reduction and Recycling Regulation 2023 >

View the Waste Reduction and Recycling Act 2011 >